June 12/11 8:56 am - Ride to Conquer Cancer Breaks Record

Posted by Editoress on 06/12/11

4610 participants raise $17.5 million for The Princess Margaret in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer

Riders embark on the first half of epic, two-day journey

Saturday, The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation announced that 4610 participants raised $17.5 million in The Enbridge Ride to ConquerCancer. The event brings together men and women, of all athletic abilities,from across North American to cycle 200km/200miles in the fight to conquer cancer.

In its fourth year, TheEnbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer continues to be Canada’s most successful cycling fundraiser, raising over $62.7 million for The Princess Margaret since its inception.

There is little doubt that the time for action is now. In 2011, an estimated 177, 800 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed, and 75,000 deaths will occur in Canada.

“The Princess Margaret is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world, and our vision is to conquer cancer in our lifetime,” said Paul Alofs, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful of the donors, riders, corporate sponsors and volunteers for their generous commitment in supporting our vision.”

With ongoing support from The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer, The Princess Margaret can allocate crucialfunds for its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute (OCI), which includes The Campbell Family Institute and The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research.

Dr. Benjamin Neel, Director of The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, and Dr. Mary Gospodarowicz, Medical Director for The Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Program, have a clear vision on where the money raised through the Enbridge Ride to ConquerCancer will be best utilized.

“Funds raised through The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer will continue to support research platforms, such as, our world-leading clinical trials programs that support specific cancer types and a world class BioBank initiative,” said Dr. Bob Bell, President and CEO, University Health Network.

Today, riders are set to finish the first half of their two-day cycling journey from Toronto to Niagara. Camping at Mohawk College in Hamilton tonight, riders will rest halfway between their 200km or 200mile cycling route. Tomorrow, they will embark on the second half of the journey from Hamilton to Niagara Falls.

In 2011, Enbridge signed on as the title sponsor of The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Other official event sponsors and suppliers include CTV, The Globe and Mail, Q107, 102.1 The Edge, AM640, Bicycling, KPMG, SUGOi, Norco, Advanced Tent Rentals, East Dell, GO,Steam Whistle, BionX and Desjardins Financial Services.

In the continued efforts to improve the Ontario Ride to Conquer Cancer experience, for 2012, riders will be given the choice of six different route options, traveling between Toronto and Niagara. Register today for the 2012 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer. For more information, please visit www.conquercancer.ca or phone 877.699.BIKE